A historic increase in the dollar value of Done Deals™, representing contracts completed between certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) and Corporate Members in the New York region, was announced at the fifteenth annual Women Presidents’ Educational Organization (WPEO) Breakthrough Breakfast. Contracts worth nearly $700 million in the New York region, representing 9,010 Done Deals completed from April 2015 through March 2016, accounted for a colossal 75% increase over last year. This year’s Done Deals indicate WBEs are finally making inroads in financial services, with Lebenthal & Co., LLC, representing 1% of a $19 billion Microsoft Corporation bond transaction.

The Done Deals™ program publicly recognizes the successes of WBEs and Corporate Members. It also helps measure the impact WPEO has achieved in increasing business opportunities and contracting activity between WBEs, as well as between WBEs and WPEO Corporate Members.

Dr. Marsha Firestone, WPEO President and Founder, said, “We are witnessing a dramatic escalation in WPEO corporate members doing business with certified WBEs. Strategically sound procurement programs are critically important to companies like Microsoft Corporation who are identifying WBEs representing a wide range of suppliers who deliver what they need.”

According to Fernando Hernandez, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability Director, Microsoft Corporation, “Deals in the financial area related to bond offerings have historically gone to larger institutions. Over the years we have been chipping away at this lack of inclusion and brought in some great companies of diverse broker dealers to support Microsoft’s debt offering. They are experienced firms with proven track records. Given the opportunity they perform at the top of the class.”

The 2016 WPEO Done Deals Award Winners are:

Corporate member that submits the most Done Deals™ with WPEO-certified WBEs.

Corporate Champion Awards – Microsoft Corporation and Pfizer Inc.

Corporate member that reports the highest cumulative value of Done Deals™ with WBEs.

WBE Connection Award – Stackable Sensations

WBE that reports the most Done Deals™ with other WPEO-certified WBEs.

WBE Done Deals Champion Award – CorAnet Corporation

WPEO-certified WBE that reports the largest number of Done Deals™ with WPEO Corporate Members.

WPEO Board Chair Eliseo Rojas, Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, The Interpublic Group, said “This year’s Breakthrough Breakfast theme focuses on how WBEs are responding to trends that will drive future innovation in order to build their businesses. Building relationships with diverse suppliers helps harness innovative ideas and processes, addressing evolving marketplace demands and gaining a competitive advantage.”